Budget Trem pedal, CoolCat or TunaMelt?

[mechanicdave]

Is either of these two better than the other for Fender amp type trem? Budget is up to fifty bucks, any others to consider? It's just for that swampy type shake, nothing crazy. Dave

[Dan German]

Well, since the Cool Cat is only $40 CDN (cheaper for you Yanks) and made of metal, I would say go with that one. It's not like there's a big savings with the Tuna Melt. And is the Tuna Melt even made anymore? They're awfully similar. I have heard they sound slightly different, but the big differences are the metal case, true bypass switch and surface mount PCBs in the Cool Cat. Of course, I just bought a Cool Cat Trem, so I' m biased.

[FMA]

I don't know whether the Cool Cat is just a Tuna Melt ina different enclosure. I've had a Tuna Melt on my board for a few years now. It's held up and it sounds great. If you want swampy shake, it's in there.

[tazzboy]

Find a used Boss Tremolo Pedal

[tjalla]

I have both and the Tuna Melt is more subtle, smoother but very tasty. The Cool Cat has a bit more of a funky lo-fi vibe to it, has more character and is more amp-like. Though we're splitting fine hairs here. Both are excellent.

[fuddy]

I like the Tuna Melt, except that there's a distinct volume drop whenever it's on. Is that the case with all tremelo pedals? How does the new Cool Cat pedal compare in that regard? My local Guitar Center also has a used Line 6 Tap Tremolo pedal for sale. Anyone have any experience with that one?

[ichron]

Originally Posted by fuddy

I like the Tuna Melt, except that there's a distinct volume drop whenever it's on. Is that the case with all tremelo pedals? How does the new Cool Cat pedal compare in that regard? My local Guitar Center also has a used Line 6 Tap Tremolo pedal for sale. Anyone have any experience with that one?

My T-rex Tremster has a very handy level knob. Great pedal!

Love the sound of the tuna melt as well but I won't play it out any longer as it's not completely reliable any more.

Another cheap tremolo is the marshall vibratrem. Incidentally another tremolo no longer working as it should.

[Dan German]

Originally Posted by fuddy

I like the Tuna Melt, except that there's a distinct volume drop whenever it's on. Is that the case with all tremelo pedals?

No. I don't notice any real difference in the Cool Cat when switching. And the more I play it, the more I like it.

[RomanS]

Originally Posted by fuddy

I like the Tuna Melt, except that there's a distinct volume drop whenever it's on.

Yeah, that pushed it off my pedalboard, too (I now use a selfmade EA tremolo with an extra volume control).

[mechanicdave]

I recently stumbled across the VibraTrem but I think I'll go with the CoolCat. Its got good features and good reviews Dave

[postie]

I was talking with a pal about danelectro tremolos tonight and he said his tunamelt ate batteries (positive on the sound), he suggested a power supply would be wise. Is the cool cat any better on batteries? Anyone with experience? Cheers.
I must admit, the Marshall also tempts me as I have a Marshall compressor that suits me fine.

[TNO]

The CC has a trim pot inside to set the level. It's an awesome trem, very amp-like.

[tjalla]

Originally Posted by TNO

The CC has a trim pot inside to set the level. It's an awesome trem, very amp-like.

The tweaker in me immediately thought "I gotta check that out!" but my ears tell me there's no need to...

I never noticed a volume drop with the Tuna Melt either...

[IggyT]

My cool cat trem is great; never tried the tuna melt (the pedal anyway) so cant compare.
It is fine on batteries; I also have the cool cat vibe whis DOES eat batteries so a power supply is recomended; they even say this in the fine print of the manual.
iggy

[HenryAdams]

Originally Posted by TNO

The CC has a trim pot inside to set the level. It's an awesome trem, very amp-like.

How does one recognize and then play with the internal trip pot? I have to CC, and like it pretty well, but definitely notice a volume drop.

[toadman]

never noticed a volume drop in my tuna melt. love that thing. got it for 15 bucks when a local music shop was going out of business

[bosstone]

The Tuna Melt is absolutely amazing for its price.

[mechanicdave]

I ordered the CoolCat. I figured for a few bucks more than the Tuna you get true bypass as well as metal jacks and housing. I'll be running this through the effects loop, thats a first for me.
I know the Tuna gets alot of love around here I hope the Cat is as nice. Some of the clips I've heard seem to back that up. I'll let you know in a few days. Dave

[Tim Bowen]

My bandmate recently started using the Cool Cat on a few tunes with his reso guitar, and I've been pretty impressed with the noises. For slow, deep, pulsing trem, it sounds as good as any trem ped I've played.

Originally Posted by mechanicdave

I'll be running this through the effects loop, thats a first for me.

Give it a whirl, but don't be too surprised if you prefer it 'in line'. Personally, I think a trem ped sounds coolest when it interacts with the gain structure, as opposed to bypassing it and being superimposed upon it.

[tjalla]

Originally Posted by Tim Bowen

My bandmate recently started using the Cool Cat on a few tunes with his reso guitar, and I've been pretty impressed with the noises. For slow, deep, pulsing trem, it sounds as good as any trem ped I've played.



Give it a whirl, but don't be too surprised if you prefer it 'in line'. Personally, I think a trem ped sounds coolest when it interacts with the gain structure, as opposed to bypassing it and being superimposed upon it.

+1. I use mine before amp, and even pre-dirt boxes (if any).